Aircraft Electrostatic Discharge Location via Electromagnetic Signal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern aircraft with composite materials experience frequent electrostatic discharges due to insulative or weakly conductive structures, making it difficult to locate and address the source of these discharges, leading to lengthy aircraft immobilization and uncertain corrective measures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for detecting and locating electrostatic discharges on aircraft by recording and analyzing electromagnetic signals from multiple detectors, using time-stamped and synchronized data to identify the discharge zone, employing inverse and direct electromagnetic wave propagation algorithms, and creating a reference database for rapid identification of the discharge origin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If aircraft structures use insulative or weakly conductive composite materials, then structural weight and performance are improved, but electrostatic discharge frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical inspection methods with electromagnetic signal detection and analysis. Multiple detectors capture electromagnetic signals from electrostatic discharges, and signal processing algorithms locate the discharge origin, substituting mechanical search methods with field-based detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic signal detectors as intermediaries between the electrostatic discharge event and the maintenance operator. The detectors capture electromagnetic radiation from discharges and transmit this information to analysis systems, enabling indirect observation and location of discharge events without direct contact or aircraft grounding.
2Device complexity
If traditional blind search methods are used to locate electrostatic discharges, then no specialized equipment is needed, but aircraft immobilization time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and physical testing with automated electromagnetic signal processing. The system uses detectors, signal processors, and algorithms to automatically locate discharge events, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual examination of aircraft components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an electromagnetic signal copy of the discharge event captured by detectors. This signal copy contains location information that can be processed and analyzed without affecting the actual aircraft or requiring physical access to potential discharge points, enabling rapid remote analysis.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive aircraft inspection is performed to ensure no discharge sources are missed, then detection reliability is improved, but investigation time and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electromagnetic signal processing to precisely locate discharge events without comprehensive physical inspection. The signal analysis provides accurate location information that guides targeted inspection, replacing the need for exhaustive examination of all aircraft components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent focuses inspection efforts on the specific localized area identified by signal analysis rather than uniformly inspecting the entire aircraft. The electromagnetic signal processing identifies the precise discharge location, allowing maintenance personnel to concentrate resources on the problematic zone only.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for precise localization of electrostatic discharge zones, reducing aircraft immobilization time from days to hours and ensuring effective corrective measures by limiting the investigation area, thereby enhancing maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a step during the flight of the aircraft of recording electromagnetic signals stemming from said electrostatic discharges and received by a plurality of detectors Di arranged at various locations on an exterior surface of said aircraft
Implementation Method 2
the analysis step applies to the recordings from the detectors corresponding to the same event inverse electromagnetic wave propagation algorithms to determine the zone on the exterior surface of the aircraft where the electrostatic discharge from which said electromagnetic waves stem probably occurred
Data Source
AI summary
A method for locating electrostatic discharges occurring on an aircraft in flight including a step of recording, during the flight of the aircraft, electromagnetic signals resulting in the electrostatic discharges and received by a plurality of detectors arranged at different places on an exterior surface of the aircraft, a step of analyzing the signals recorded during the flight, each of the signals, received by the various detectors and corresponding to one and the same electrostatic discharge, are processed to identify at least one zone of an exterior surface of the aircraft, determining a structural part in which the electrostatic discharge probably occurred.